A Crossroad for Older Adults
If you have a loved one who is getting older, you may be coming to a place where a decision will have to be made about care. Many older adults want to live independently, but there comes a time when this is simply not the most realistic option. At that point you and your loved one will need to consider your options and make a decision: is it time for homecare or assisted living?
The Two Options Have Some Traits in Common
Whether your loved one chooses to stay at home and have homecare or move into an assisted living facility, he or she will get quality care and companionship. Both types of care provide a safe environment for an older person, and both help with things like dietary management, exercise, and medication management. They just accomplish these things in a slightly different way.
Home Care Can Be Basic or Skilled
Maybe your loved one just needs companionship and help doing things like cooking, household chores, and running errands. There is non-medical home care available for this type of situation. A home aide or senior caregiver can come to the house, either on a live-in basis or on a predetermined schedule. This person will provide companionship and help with household tasks, personal care, caring for pets, and other, similar things that need attention.
If your loved one is need of more medical attention, though, skilled home care may be a better option. Provided by medical professionals, this kind of care involves things like administering medications, assessing health, providing occupational therapy services, and offering certain types of medical care. There are even skilled caregivers who specialize in Alzheimer’s and dementia, allowing people with cognitive difficulties to remain in the familiar surroundings of home.
Assisted Living Has Additional Resources
Often, people go into assisted living when they are still fairly active and don’t need very much support. Some assisted living facilities have tiered care, so that support can increase as an older person’s needs become greater. Often, assisted living facilities have wellness programs and social activities, to keep residents active and help them maintain a social life. There is typically transportation available for seniors who want to run errands or need to go to the doctor, and some assisted living homes have hotel-like amenities like a spa, a swimming pool, and different dining options. Essentially, the goal of these facilities is to provide a home away from home, a sense of community, and some extra help when it’s needed.
Many Seniors Prefer to Age in Place
As the fiercely independent Boomers enter their golden years, many are reluctant to give up their freedom and their homes. This is reasonable, because they’re used to the surroundings and the neighborhood, and have an established lifestyle in place. They may have long-term friends in their area, or a church or a synagogue they attend regularly. All of these factors have value, and that’s where homecare has an advantage over assisted living. When older people have the option of an in-home caregiver, they gain the freedom to stay at home and still receive the support they need.
The Right Care to Support Your Family
Whether you choose homecare or assisted living, having the right help can help you make the most of your time with your loved one. That’s why at BrightStar Care of Delray Beach, Florida, we work hard to deliver the right care for older people and to be a partner their loved ones can turn to for support. Because we believe that caring is more than just a job, our team of nurses, therapists, CNAs, and caregivers offer the most professional compassionate care available. In the comforting, familiar surroundings of home, we offer a full range of care services to meet your loved one’s needs and help you when you need it most. Visit our website to contact us or apply now, or call 561-921-0550 to learn more about joining the BrightStar Care family.